Greetings from a Newbie

Petahgreen · Post by **Petahgreen** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:27 pm

Hi All,

A newbie to the forum, looking for my first Z4.

Luckily I’m in a position that I won’t be driving it every day, so can keep it for the weekends and look forward to doing so!

Some great info on here, I’ve learnt loads and feel it’s allowed me to confidently understand what I’m looking at with used vehicles.

Question is I’m aiming to pick up a circa 60-80k mileage E85 facelift. My preferred engine is the 3.0 si. There seems to be a lot more 2.5si’s on the market. Is the difference in pull between these two engines noticeable? Must be some people round these parts who have driven/owned both!

I’ve driven a reasonable amount of semi quick cars, M235i and 440i most recently in Germany but the Z4 will be replacing an ancient 1.4 Focus so anything will feel quick in comparison!

Cheers

Pete

metal licker · Post by **metal licker** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:49 pm

Hi and welcome aboard

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:50 pm

Welcome to the forum. I am no expert on the 2.5 or 3.0, but, many here have reported the 3.0is to be he pick of the bunch when it comes to that important mix of bang for your buck and running costs.

Z4 COUPSTER · Post by **Z4 COUPSTER** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:58 pm

3.0si worth waiting for. I've not driven a 2.5si, but drove the old 2.5, and compared to my 3.0i it's black and white.
Good hunting fella!
And welcome
D
Forgot to add I have both 3.0i and 3.0si and even they have a noticeable difference in power delivery

RustyZ4 · Post by **RustyZ4** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 7:41 pm

Hi & Welcome

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:11 pm

Hi and welcome to the forum OP.

I've got cars with both engines, but not both Z4s so probably not too relevant (my 2.5 litre is in an E91 325i). All I can say is it has the same character in both, although the 3 litre in my E86 is significantly quicker and sounds much better!

To be fair if I hadn't had the E86 I might have held out for a 330i, although 330i Tourings seem to be thin on the ground and command quite a price premium.

But as running costs are the same I'd hold out for a 3.0Si in a Z4 - it is a sports car after all.

Anyway good luck finding the right Z4, and don't forget the photos once you've found it.

jabber · Post by **jabber** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:35 pm

Hi and welcome good luck with the search

MrPT · Post by **MrPT** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 11:56 pm

Petahgreen wrote: ↑Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:27 pm Question is I’m aiming to pick up a circa 60-80k mileage E85 facelift. My preferred engine is the 3.0 si. There seems to be a lot more 2.5si’s on the market. Is the difference in pull between these two engines noticeable? Must be some people round these parts who have driven/owned both!

Yes, have driven both back to back. Not a lot in it at all - not sure you’d notice without a direct comparison.

The 3.0si tends to be better spec’d so if you can find a fully loaded one for not much more than a 2.5si then go for it. Xenons, MFSW, electric heated seats and higher end hifi options are much more common on the 3L.

bz4kev · Post by **bz4kev** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 12:30 am

Hi and welcome op I would hold out for the 30si personally and you will know the right one when it comes along but don’t be afraid to travel for that special one good luck

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 9:15 am

I think narrowing down your search to the E85 3.0si is eminently sensible - what a machine

Petahgreen · Post by **Petahgreen** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 11:04 pm

Thanks Everyone for the warm welcome!

Looks like I’ll keep my eye out for the 3.0si I desperately want!

Petahgreen · Post by **Petahgreen** » Wed Jul 04, 2018 8:48 pm

Went and viewed a 3.0si E85 today.

Whilst wasn't the cleanest having been parked on a street, it seemed in good mechanical condition.

It got 78k, just had inspection II so is good for service for 15k. 9 months MOT, just had rear coils changed, all discs and pads and new tyres all round too. The service history stamps only featured Inspection I at 33k and Inspection II at 77k. Current owner has had it since 54k and has all the services invoices since then.

There were a few scrapes to body work, and a bit of bleaching to the lacquer on the front. as well as alloys needing work to get them up to scratch (probably 2/3 need doing)

Am I being picky on the body work?

Its up for £6750 (easy to find on auto trader!) what does everyone think? Avoid or what price?

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